News

10/19/2009

US Tour Continues...

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After Nokia, the band had two more shows on the East Coast before heading West. On Saturday, October 3rd, Foreigner headed to New Jersey to play another ballpark. This time it was for the Wingstock Festival presented by 105.7 FM The Hawk at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, NJ. Foreigner headlined the festival with Blue Oyster Cult opening. For coverage of the show click here for videos and pictures of the festival. On Sunday, the band drove north to Conneticut to play the Warner Theatre in Torrington. With the rescheduling of the Bergen PAC show originally set for Tuesday, the band had a few days rest before heading West.

Their first show on the West Coast was at The Fillmore in San Francisco, on Thursday, Oct 8th. Gearing up for the NASCAR show and 'Can't Slow Down' video shoot that Sunday, the band was excited to play an intimate show at such a famous and historic venue. Here's a clip of Michael Bluestein and Brian Tichy doing their thing!

On Saturday night, Oct. 10th, Foreigner played 'Jack's Fourth Show' presented by 93.1 FM at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA. Despite having to wake up early the next day, Foreigner headlined the show amongst a great line-up! Other guests included the B-52's, Joan Jett, George Clinton and Eddie Money. Coverage of this show has been posted on their website here.

The next morning, the band went to the Auto Club Speedway for the first ever live performance video shoot of 'Can't Slow Down,' starting at 10:30 AM! With the explosive popularity of NASCAR, it has been a great opportunity and partnership for Foreigner. With 'Can't Slow Down' as the anthem for NASCAR, this could be the beginning of a wonderful friendship!

After PNCPark, the band headed to Jim Thorpe, PA to play a show at Penn's Peak on Sunday, September 27th. The next day, the band and crew were able to take a short breather on the eve of 'Can't Slow Down' - the eye of the storm. With the release on Tuesday there was no turning back! Promotional obligations were thrown into the mix along with the tour, starting with Mick and Kelly doing interviews for Premiere Networks in the morning. That night the band performed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania at the Fisher Auditorium. The next chapter for Foreigner has begun!

After the show it was on to New York City, where the band would stay for a few days with the next four shows all being in the Tri-state area and the promotional radio and TV interviews all taking place in the city. On Thursday, they played the Capital One Bank Theatre in Westbury, NY on Long Island. Then it was back to city for a good night's sleep.

The big day came on Friday, October 2nd, with the band playing the Nokia Theatre in Times Square in New York City. It was the first time Foreigner has played in Manhattan in over a decade, and a first for the new line-up! Being the birthplace of Foreigner and home to Mick, the band knew it was a special night!

Here's Kelly saying a few words before taking stage.

Mick shares what the night means to him and welcomes founding members Al Greenwood and Ian McDonald to the show!

As expected, it was another high energy show and they did not disappoint! The Nokia stage was impressive with a large video backdrop that added to the senses to the already intense music. Here's a montage of clips from the show!

October 1, 2009

Due to the preparation for the album release, it has been a while since we last checked in on the US Tour. This past Saturday, Foreigner played a special show at PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. With attendance at 19,452 people (50.7% Capacity) and the Pirate's playoff hopes dashed long ago, what better way to lift the loyal Pirates fans' spirits than with some Classic Rock, Foreigner Style!

Being at such a unique venue, it was an all day affair; being scheduled to perform the National Anthem, Brian Tichy throwing out the first pitch, and performing a set after the game! The band took the field shortly before the game and were allowed to hang out in the dugout before performing the National Anthem.

See the behind-the-scenes video of the band and their entourage 'backstage,' then making their way to the field in the member's section, courtesy of Craig Gorkiewicz and www.149Music.com.

Hey, what's so funny?

After checking out the field, the band had the honor of performing the National Anthem for the game, a capella!

Brian Tichy was also given the honor to throw out the first pitch, which he was very excited for. Here he is backstage showing the band his form before the game. Mick loves it!